Membertou accused facing charges including arson

SYDNEY, N.S. — A 22-year-old Membertou man has been remanded pending the outcome of a bail hearing Tuesday after being charged with arson.

Charles Joseph Young is also charged with theft (a gas can) and breaching a court order by failing to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The offences are alleged to have occurred July 28 in Membertou.

Young is charged in connection with a car and house fire in the community on Kitpu Crescent.

Cape Breton Regional Police report being called to the fire at about 6:45 p.m. The report initially concerned a vehicle fire but the blaze spread to a nearby dwelling.

No injuries were reported.

A police spokesperson said Friday the fire was immediately deemed suspicious and through investigation, including evidence collected at the scene and surrounding area, as well as through witness information, arson investigators were able to connect Young to the fire.

After a brief provincial court appearance, Young was remanded pending a bail hearing.